FAQs

Do volunteers have to come to the Volunteer Center to be referred to a volunteer opportunity or nonprofit agency? 

No.  All referrals can be done either over the phone or via email.  Other than our own volunteer counselors who advise individuals or groups on where to go and what to do, we have no other volunteers here. There is no “holding room” where we place interested volunteers waiting for an assignment.  We serve, in effect, as a pipeline through which volunteer interests are matched with community needs.

If I learn of a particular volunteer opportunity that really interests me, can I sign up to volunteer that same day? 

Only very rarely will you be able to pick up the phone or send an email to sign up to volunteer the same or even the next day. If the volunteer opportunity is at a special event being held that day, such as a golf tournament, a walk-a-thon, or a festival, it might be possible if there is no orientation required and the job only involves passing out t-shirts or golf balls. However, most volunteer jobs require some level of orientation prior to starting. Some may even require comprehensive training, as well as your approval to conduct a criminal background check if the job entails working with vulnerable volunteers.  

What if I can’t commit to something on a regular basis?

We have plenty of one-time or  “episodic”, as well as short-term volunteer opportunities. Special events -- bicycle races, carnivals, basketball tournaments -- are ideal for people who have limited time or just want to "try on" volunteering. Some volunteers prefer participating in short-term projects like clothing drives and neighborhood cleanup days.

I’m disabled.  Can I still volunteer?